Brand New Shared Universe Competing With Marvel and DC Spotlights New Hero

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We’re highlighting exciting new comics, and today we’re featuring a preview of Summit: Pinnacle #1, a new one-shot that kicks off a shared comic book universe. This issue introduces a brand new hero named Trench.

As I mentioned last year, a significant advancement in superhero comics was the idea of interconnected storylines. Instead of each comic series existing in isolation—sometimes succeeding, sometimes not—this approach weaves them together into a larger, overarching narrative. This creates a richer context that can inspire and shape future stories.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to appreciate a comic book for what it is. However, knowing that a story connects to other interesting comics can enhance both of them. And once you start enjoying one series, you naturally hope for the same level of quality in other stories set in the same universe.

DC Comics successfully used this approach when they first launched, starting with three strong, interconnected comic books and gradually adding more series to their shared universe. This is usually a great way to begin a new line of comics, but it does require dedication and a talented creative team.

Summit Comics, a new company in the comic book scene, is launching a series of interconnected books featuring fresh characters. They’re working with a talented group of independent creators to build a shared universe, and they’re confident they can do it well.

Summit Comics is currently raising funds to launch its first comic book, Summit: Pinnacle #1. The first issue will feature over a dozen stories! Thanks to the great response to the crowdfunding campaign, the project is confirmed, so now you can decide if you want to support it from the beginning by pledging.

Summit Comics was created by a team of talented individuals including Travis Gibb (known for Upheaval and Cthulhu Invades), CJ Hudson (Granite, Interstellar Dust), Devin Arscott (Noir, Magni the Mighty), Adam Barnhardt (SHTSHOW, Moonspawn), Marcus Jimenez (Techoknights, Knight From Hell), Eric Palicki (Guardians of Infinity, Black’s Myth), Brayden Viloria (Haven), J. Michael Miller (Kid Cretaceous, The Healer’s Blade), Nate Schachter (The CloakRoom), Cam Kerkau (Gilgamesh), Daniel Kalban (American Dreams, Knightwrath), Brian Wolf (Upheaval), Benjamin Morse (We Are Scarlet Twilight), Ignacio di Meglio, Sebastian Piccione (CAT.5), Peter Collins (The Bardic Verses*), and letterer Jerome Gagnon.

We’re thrilled to give you an exclusive first look at “Trench,” a story from the first issue of Summit: Pinnacle! Written by Devin Arscott, with art and colors by Nicolò Arcuti, and lettering by Adam Barnhardt, this is a special preview you won’t want to miss.

What happens in the Trench’s debut story? ​​​​​​

Many shared universes use a common element to connect new characters. For example, the Wildstorm Universe was linked by the Gen-Factor serum, while the Ultraverse used the “Jumpstart effect.” The Summit Universe is connected by “A-Day,” an event where a powerful hero sacrificed themself in a massive explosion—similar to a nuclear blast—to defeat a giant alien. The fallout from this explosion, combined with the alien’s blood, gave various characters superpowers.

The story begins with Trench awakening from a long period of hibernation. He had originally come to Earth with the intention of sharing knowledge and welcoming humanity into a larger galactic network. However, deeply disillusioned with what he found, Trench chose to enter a self-induced state of suspended animation instead.

After witnessing humanity defeat an ultraterrestrial being, Trench begins to see humans in a new light – they’ve become far more intriguing. The story jumps to the present, where Trench, disguised in a jacket, infiltrates a corporate building. There, Trench eliminates several security guards and uncovers a shocking truth: the humans inside are actually worshiping an ultraterrestrial, hoping to harness its power for their own gain.

Trench is understandably stunned by these developments. Future stories will reveal how this shocking news impacts him and his relationships with other characters from Summit, especially those on Earth who were affected by A-Day.

What are Trench’s design sheets, and what do Summit Comics’ creators say about Trench?

Summit kindly allowed us to showcase Nicolò Arcuti’s design work for the character Trench, including sketches of him both in and out of his signature trench coat, and with close-up details of his face.

Devin Arscott, who created the comic Trench and is Editor-in-Chief at Summit Comics, explains he designed Trench as a way to challenge himself creatively. He wanted to go beyond typical superhero stories and really push the boundaries of what comics can do. The story of an alien stranded on Earth provided the perfect balance of familiarity and originality for this experiment.

I asked the founders of Summit Comics which of their new characters—that they didn’t personally create—they were most enthusiastic about. Adam Barnhardt, Summit Comics’ Chief Creative Officer, highlighted Devin’s character, Trench, describing him as an otherworldly figure with a similar feel to Hellboy and Martian Manhunter. Barnhardt noted that Trench is a mysterious and powerful character with a strong noir influence.

With just over three weeks remaining, the Summit: Pinnacle campaign has already exceeded its funding goal! Everyone is welcome to participate.

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2026-02-03 21:12